propane

noun

pro·​pane ˈprō-ˌpān How to pronounce propane (audio)
: a heavy flammable gaseous alkane C3H8 found in crude petroleum and natural gas and used especially as fuel and in chemical synthesis

Examples of propane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Near the stadium, a worker on a cart zipped by, transporting what looked like propane tanks. — Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 16 June 2026 The roaster has two chambers suspended above propane burners. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026 Items that are not accepted include latex paint, grill propane cylinders and large containers over 55 gallons in size. — Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026 This $58 device can also detect explosive gases like natural gas and propane. — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for propane

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary prop- + -ane

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of propane was in 1867

Rhymes for propane

See All Rhymes for propane

Browse Nearby Words

propanal
propane
propanil
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Propane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propane. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

propane

noun
pro·​pane ˈprō-ˌpān How to pronounce propane (audio)
: a heavy flammable gas found in crude petroleum and natural gas and used especially as fuel and in the chemical industry

Medical Definition

propane

noun
pro·​pane ˈprō-ˌpān How to pronounce propane (audio)
: a heavy flammable gaseous alkane C3H8 found in crude petroleum and natural gas and used especially as fuel and in chemical synthesis

More from Merriam-Webster on propane

Nglish: Translation of propane for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about propane

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